101+ Fundraising Ideas for UK Charities and Community Groups (2026)

We've all read the countless "Top 10 Fundraising Ideas" lists online. You know the ones with the same ideas as everyone else? Well, we thought we'd take those lists one big step further in terms of length and creativity.

We've come up with 101+ of the best fundraising ideas around and we're confident you'll find at least one idea here to help your charity raise money for your cause. You'll find not just the usual ideas, but some genuinely creative fundraising activities for charities and community groups.

A note on Gift Aid. In the UK, many of these ideas benefit from Gift Aid: HMRC gives your charity an extra 25p for every £1 a UK taxpayer donates, provided they've signed a Gift Aid declaration (HMRC Gift Aid guidance). Gift Aid does not apply where the donor receives something of value in return, event tickets, raffle entries, auction lots at fair value, or membership benefits that carry tangible perks. Where relevant, we've flagged which ideas are Gift Aid eligible and which are not.

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In this article:

• A glance at our top fundraising ideas for any organisation type

• Explore our best fundraising ideas based on your type of charity

• Fundraising ideas for schools, PTAs and libraries

• Fundraising ideas for arts and culture charitable organisations

• Fundraising ideas for sports clubs and teams

• Fundraising ideas for churches and faith groups

• Fundraising ideas for animal welfare organisations

• Fundraising ideas for healthcare organisations

• Fundraising ideas for social and human services

• Fundraising ideas for disaster relief

• Fundraising ideas for advocacy groups

• Fundraising ideas for your community-focused charitable organisation

• Easy fundraising ideas

• Low-cost fundraising ideas

• Creative fundraising ideas

• Quick fundraising ideas

• Annual fundraising ideas

• Last-minute fundraising ideas

• Fundraising ideas for universities, colleges and student unions

• Online fundraising ideas

• Tap-to-pay at community fetes and quiz nights

• UK platforms and tools to help with your charity's next fundraiser

• Tips for organising your next fundraiser

• Ready to host your next fundraiser?

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A glance at our top fundraising ideas for any organisation type

Let's start things off with a list of easy fundraising ideas that are all great ways to raise money.

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Explore our best fundraising ideas based on your type of charity

To put together our list of 101 fundraising ideas for charities, we scoured the fundraisers being hosted on Zeffy's free fundraising platform, read a wide range of articles and came up with a few ourselves. This list is what we were able to pull together for easy fundraising events for charities. You can read more about fundraising event ideas to boost donations at our Zeffy blog.

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Browse our fundraising ideas based on the type of organisation:

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Filter fundraising ideas that fit the following criteria:

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Fundraising ideas for schools, PTAs and libraries

When it comes to fundraising ideas for schools, a student organisation, colleges or even libraries, the best fundraiser ideas are often the ones that have something to do with the school or library.

Most UK school PTAs are either registered charities (income over £5,000) or fall below the Charity Commission for England and Wales registration threshold, but still operate under charity-law principles (Charity Commission). If your school PTA raises more than £5,000 a year, consider registering to unlock Gift Aid and strengthen donor trust.

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1. Host an autumn or seasonal bake sale

A bake sale might not be the most ground-breaking idea on this list, but bake sales are still great ways to raise funds because they engage your community members in fun and delicious ways. Note that cake and goods sales are not Gift Aid eligible, donors receive something of value in return. Also note that home-baked goods sold at occasional community stalls are generally exempt from Food Standards Agency registration, but allergen labelling under the Natasha's Law rules applies where food is pre-packed for direct sale.

Here are a few tips to help get you started:

• Work with your school or library to choose a date and location.

• Make sure you follow any health and safety regulations. (You can check with your school's kitchen team.)

• Recruit more volunteers than you think you're going to need.

• Coordinate your bakers so you get a good variety of treats.

• Get some students or volunteers to make posters advertising your bake sale and sharing the news on their social media channels.

• Set up a good-looking table or two with a few deals to encourage people to buy more. (Buy two, get one free; buy a brownie, get a glass of milk, etc.)

• Accept multiple payment types. Zeffy's free tap-to-pay lets you take card payments from your phone, no dedicated hardware needed, and we cover the card processing fees.

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2. A used book sale is a great activity to raise money

Books are one of those things that tend to pile up at home. A used book sale is a fundraising idea that serves multiple purposes. It's a great way for donors to get rid of the books they've already read and pick up a couple of new ones while they're at it.

Here are a few tips to help get you started:

• Work with your school or library to choose a date and location.

• Ask students, parents, teachers, the library, and local bookshops for any used books that are in decent condition.

• Get some students or volunteers to make posters advertising your used book sale and sharing the news on their social media channels.

• Set up a table per genre (fantasy, fiction, non-fiction, young adult, etc.).

• Set up a few reading nooks for supporters to try before they buy.

• Sell homemade bookmarks, tote bags, snacks, and drinks to raise even more money.

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3. A talent show, a creative fundraising idea for schools

Talent shows are a creative way to get students to show off their hidden talents and a fun way to raise money.

Here are a few tips to help get you started:

• Work with your school or community centre to choose a date and location.

• Scout out your performers. (You can even hold auditions!)

• Get some students or volunteers to make posters advertising your talent show and share the news on their social media channels.

• Use an online ticketing platform for charities to sell tickets online and at the door.

• Sell custom merchandise, snacks and drinks to raise even more money.

• Host a raffle or 50/50 draw. (Zeffy's raffles and lottery tool can help you set this up. See the UK raffle rules in the raffle section below.)

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4. A movie night can be a fun way to raise money for your school or library

There's nothing quite as novel as being in school at night. Take advantage of this by hosting a movie night at your school. It's one of those fundraising ideas that pulls people in because of how different it feels. Note: if you are showing a film to a public audience, you will need a public performance licence (such as those offered by Filmbankmedia or MPLC) unless the content is already licensed for community screening. Charity rates are available.

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Fundraising ideas for arts and culture charitable organisations

Arts and culture charitable organisations have the distinct advantage of being able to create and showcase original art and performances to raise funds and awareness for their cause. Put your talents to work with some creative fundraising ideas.

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5. A gallery night is a creative fundraising idea to raise money and showcase your community's talent

A gallery night is the excuse your community members are looking for to dress up, get out of the house, get to know some local artists, and support a good cause while they're at it.

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• Choosing a theme can help focus your artists' creativity. Try choosing a theme that is related to your cause.

• Put out a call for artists.

• Create and send out invitations and reach out to local media to help spread the word about your event.

• Plan entertainment to keep donors around and sell snacks and refreshments to keep them happy and raise more money.

• Remember to say thank you!

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6. A community mural project is a creative fundraiser that will bring people together

An indoor or outdoor mural is a creative fundraising idea that will not only help your charity raise funds, it will also build awareness about your cause.

These fundraising efforts are a little more involved than some of our other ideas, but the work is well worth the pay-off. Just be sure to:

• Find a location with a lot of foot traffic.

• Put out a call for artists and host a competition to choose the winning artist.

• Advertise the weekend the artist will paint or install the mural.

• Plan entertainment to keep donors around and sell snacks and refreshments to keep them happy and raise more money.

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7. Host a paint and sip with a local artist or teacher

A paint and sip is a fun fundraising idea that combines two things people love: painting and sipping wine! Supporters donate to a cause they care about and have a great time to boot. If you're serving alcohol at the event, apply to your local council for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN), minimum 10 working days' notice required; check your council's website for the current fee and process.

Here are a few tips to get things started:

• Find an artist or teacher willing to donate their time.

• Find a local business willing to donate the materials.

• Work with your school or community centre to choose a date and location.

• Create and send out invitations to donors and the community.

• Sell tickets online using Zeffy's free ticketing platform.

• Sell or offer snacks and refreshments to keep everyone happy and raise more money.

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8. Organise a surprise flash art sale

A surprise flash art sale can invite participants to either display their art or buy from a local artist. It's the perfect fundraising idea to garner community involvement in something that matters.

• Put out a call for artists and host a competition to choose the winning artist.

• Create a buzz with posts on social media, hidden posters, and various ticket packages.

• Use local celebrities and media to help spread the word.

• Partner with a local restaurant or ask volunteers to make and sell snacks and refreshments.

• Try to create a sense of urgency before and during your event.

• Organise a raffle for one of the pieces of art.

• Sell tickets online using Zeffy's free ticketing platform.

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Fundraising ideas for sports clubs and teams

Fundraising examples for clubs and sports teams to raise money are almost endless. We've listed some of our favourites, along with a few tips for each, to get your brainstorm started.

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9. A car wash is an easy way to fundraise for your dance team or any team, really

A classic summer fundraising idea, a car wash is a tried and tested way to raise funds. Participants pay to have their car washed, and the members of your dance team, football team, or any club can sell entry tickets and get to work!

Here are a few tips to get you started:

• If a car wash isn't your thing, a pet grooming fundraiser works just as well!

• Choose a date and location. (Make sure there's an outdoor tap you can use.)

• Reach out to local businesses to get your supplies donated.

• Get some volunteers or teammates to make posters and share the event on their social media channels.

• Organise a raffle or a 50/50 raffle to raise more money.

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10. Host an equipment swap to raise money for your sports club

An equipment swap for your cricket club, hockey team, any team, is a fun way to bring your sports community together, give gently used equipment a second life, and make it more affordable for everyone.

Get things started by:

• Choosing a date and finding a location big enough to accommodate a lot of people and equipment.

• Getting some volunteers or teammates to make posters and share the event on their social media channels.

• Hosting a BBQ or potluck at the same time to raise even more money and make the event even more of an occasion.

• Organising a raffle or 50/50 draw to raise more money during the fundraising event. (You could even give away some new equipment as prizes!)

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11. Running a refreshment stand at matches is a consistent way to raise money

Maybe your team (or your child's team) plays on a pitch without a snack bar? Maybe you can hire the snack bar in your local park? Either way, opening a refreshment stand during matches is a smart way to raise money.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your refreshment stand:

• Make sure you are aware of any food and safety regulations you need to follow.

• Plan a menu and get as much of it donated as you can.

• Buy any packaging you're going to need.

Work out any logistics for equipment:

• BBQ

• Cool boxes or refrigerators

• Plates, cups, napkins, and utensils

• Sign up volunteers.

• Come up with a few combos to increase your sales.

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12. Raise money for your sports team with a penalty shootout peer-to-peer fundraiser

This fundraising event is a bit more complicated to organise, but the pay-off will be worth it. A peer-to-peer shootout is a fun way to get opposing teams together, parents and fans involved in the game, and community members out for a good time!

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Find a peer-to-peer fundraising platform to help you organise it all and allow participants to set up and run their own mini-campaigns (and charge a registration fee).

• Choose a date and location. (Make sure you reach out to your town or city council if you need to hire or use a facility.)

• Plan prizes (and even a grand prize) for donors and participants to encourage everyone to take part.

• Get some volunteers or teammates to make posters and share the event on their social media channels.

• Host a BBQ or potluck at the same time to raise even more money and make the community event even more of a success.

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Fundraising ideas for churches and faith groups

Churches and faith groups usually rely on tried and trusted fundraising ideas and events. Why? Because they work! Our four top ideas are a mix of easy, inexpensive and creative, perfect to help you get your next successful fundraiser going.

Many UK churches are excepted charities under £100,000 income (no Charity Commission registration required until 2031) but still subject to charity law and Gift Aid rules. If your congregation would like to claim Gift Aid on donations, make sure you are registered with HMRC as a recognised charity separately from your Charity Commission status.

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13. Hosting a family photo day is an easy way to raise money

Family photo days are a memorable way to get members of your community to drop by and support your religious organisation.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning yours:

• First things first, choose a date and book a photographer. (You might even find one in your congregation.)

• Next, find a fundraising site that can help you sell photo packages, book time slots, and accept donations. We're partial to Zeffy.

• Use your church's communication channels to get the word out.

• Enlist some of your creative members to make posters and props for the photo shoot.

• It's fun to set up multiple stations with various backdrops, props and themes.

• It's nice to set up a welcome and registration table so donors know what to do when they arrive, and to sell any additional prints, etc.

• You can set up an online shop to sell church merchandise and encourage participants to get a photo wearing your church's colours.

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14. Host a charity auction online or in person

This is a classic fundraiser idea, but it's still a good idea so we thought we'd help out with a few tips to kick things off:

• You can mix things up by choosing a theme for your charity auction.

• Reach out to your congregation and local businesses for donations, gift certificates, products, etc.

• It's always fun to have a portion of your auction hosted by an auctioneer, they add some entertainment and a sense of urgency.

• Consider booking some live entertainment and selling snacks and refreshments to raise some extra money.

• If you're serving alcohol, apply to your local council for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN), minimum 10 working days' notice required.

• Accept multiple payment types. Zeffy's free tap-to-pay lets you take card payments from your phone, no dedicated hardware needed, and we cover the card processing fees.

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15. Release a church cookbook

We all know the best way to capture the hearts and minds of most of us is through their stomach. Every family has their go-to recipes. Why not start collecting them?

• Start small and reach out to your congregation. (You could even reach out to family members that have moved away.)

• Ask local restaurants if they want to contribute a recipe or a few tips and tricks.

• Get in touch with a graphic designer to help you design the layout of your cookbook.

• Photographing the chefs and their dishes at home or at work is a great way to get to know them a little better, while adding a visual appeal to your cookbook.

• Set up an online shop to sell copies of your cookbook.

• Host a launch party where contributors can sign their recipes, give extra tips, etc. You can even sell tickets if you include dinner and drinks.

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16. Host a pub quiz for your church or charity

A quiz night is a great way to get your community involved with your church or charity and your fundraising efforts. It's a great excuse to get together, learn something new, and have a good time. For a church or faith group, you could make it a themed quiz with rounds covering your tradition's history, scripture, and general knowledge.

• Use your church's communication channels to get the word out.

• Enlist some of your creative members to make posters.

• Find a quiz master to host your quiz night.

• Reach out to some volunteers and ask them to prepare snacks and refreshments you can sell during your event.

• Keep things interesting by letting teams purchase lifelines to help them out with harder questions, and help you raise even more money.

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Fundraising ideas for animal welfare organisations

Creative fundraising ideas for animal welfare charitable organisations are pretty fun to come up with. (Who doesn't like thinking of ways to help animals?) We've come up with a few to get your creative juices flowing, but the ideas are endless!

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17. Puppy and kitten cuddling booth, possibly the best fundraising idea ever

This is one of those ideas that is really, really good. It has everything you could ever want: cute puppies and kittens, stress relief, and an amazingly worthy cause.

Here are a few tips to get you started with this fundraising campaign:

• Choose a date and location. (Reach out to a local school, university, workplace, community centre, anywhere where stress is higher than normal!)

• Consider making some custom merchandise for people to purchase while they wait.

• Reach out to food trucks or restaurants to provide snacks and refreshments and earn a little more money for your cause.

• Use your social media and the social media of the location to spread the word. (Who doesn't like pictures of adorable puppies and kittens gracing their feeds?)

• Think up a few different packages: 5 minutes of cuddle time, 10 minutes, cuddle time plus a cosy hoodie or blanket or stuffed toy, etc.

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18. Design and make some custom merchandise

Can you ever have enough dog-print cosy hoodies? Or cat-themed blankets? We didn't think so.

Keep things interesting and encourage supporters with a few tips to get you thinking outside the box:

• Think of designs great for people and their furry friends! (Clothing for pets is an adorable idea.)

• Reach out to your donors and volunteers to ask for help with fun designs.

• Host a fashion show where pets and people can model and buy your merchandise. Sell tickets to your event, and have drinks and snacks available for sale too.

• Set up a photo booth where people and their pets can take photos with your merchandise and some creative props.

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19. Host a bake sale for pets to raise money

We've all heard of charitable organisations hosting bake sales as a way to raise money. Well, here's an adorable twist: a bake sale for pets!

• Make sure you follow any health and safety regulations. (Yes, they can apply to pet food products too!)

• Recruit more volunteers than you think you're going to need.

• Coordinate your bakers! (You don't want everyone bringing delicious bone-shaped meat pies.)

• Get some volunteers to make posters advertising your bake sale for pets and share the news on their social media channels.

• Set up a good-looking table or two with a few deals to encourage people to buy more. (Buy two, get one free; buy a peanut butter and chicken treat, get a bone-shaped cheese snack, etc.)

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20. Organise a pet photography contest

People love taking pictures of their pets. Why not put those pictures to work by hosting a pet photography contest? Participants can submit their best pictures (for a small entry fee or donation) and win a day at a pet spa, a matching human and pet wardrobe, or similar prizes.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Find a free fundraising platform that can help you plan your event and sell tickets to your finalists' photography show.

• Offer various entry packages: one image, two images, get your photo framed, etc.

• Get some volunteers to make posters advertising your contest and share the news on their social media channels.

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Fundraising ideas for healthcare organisations

From cancer research to funding specialist care to helping families visit loved ones in hospital, healthcare organisations need all the support they can get. We've put together a few easy fundraising ideas to help your organisation raise money. UK healthcare charities often focus on NHS-adjacent needs: costs not covered by the NHS, specialist care access, family support during illness, hospice care, and mental health support.

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21. Host a medical webinar or series of webinars

When it comes to healthcare, the learning curve can be pretty steep. Whether it's caring for loved ones, finding ways to navigate specialist care, changing your diet, or looking for support groups, there are always people in need of a little guidance. A series of webinars (available for a donation) can really help.

• Try and attract a mix of industry experts and everyday people willing to share their stories.

• Plan the content of your webinars ahead of time to make sure you cover the key points and convey the right information.

• Spread the word online, in your hospitals, and on social media.

• Offer additional resources for additional donations. (Help from solicitors, nutritionists, etc.)

• Find a platform that can help you produce and share your webinars.

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22. Launch a patient stories campaign

Real stories from real patients are always a successful way for a charitable organisation to raise money. Cancer survivors, family members, doctors, everyone has a story to tell and their stories can offer support to those in need and encourage others to donate.

• Reach out to your members, volunteers, friends and family, and local healthcare institutions to find willing contributors.

• Offer the stories in a variety of formats: written, podcast style, video, illustrated.

• Spread the word online, in your hospitals, and on social media.

• Host a story evening where the community can come and listen to stories and support your cause.

• Sell snacks, drinks, and custom merchandise during your event.

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23. Assemble and sell wellness subscription boxes

Subscription boxes are a great way to get your community and local businesses involved in your cause. Offering a monthly box, or boxes for special occasions, is a great way to raise money and give donors something in return.

• Reach out to your members, volunteers, friends and family, local healthcare institutions, etc. to find willing contributors.

• Consider offering themed boxes (holiday, for families, for siblings, healthy snacks, arts and crafts, baking, etc.).

• Get creative and come up with boxes that appeal to a variety of people.

• Find a free online eCommerce platform to help you sell them.

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24. Offer an online cooking class to raise money

Eating healthier or within specific dietary restrictions can be a daunting task for many people. By offering health-specific cooking classes online you can help take a bit of the stress and unknown out of it all, and fundraise for your cause while you're at it.

• Reach out to your members, volunteers, friends and family, local restaurants, or local celebrities to find willing contributors, you never know who might surprise you with their culinary know-how.

• Find a well-equipped kitchen with a lot of natural light to host your online cooking class.

• Plan the content of your cooking classes ahead of time to make sure you cover the key points and convey the right information.

• Spread the word online, in your hospitals, and on social media.

• Offer additional resources for additional donations. (Printed recipes, cooking tips, ingredient notes, etc.)

• Find a platform that can help you produce and share your cooking classes.

• Leave time for a Q&A session at the end.

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Fundraising ideas for social and human services

25. Host a services auction to fundraise for your charitable organisation

An auction is a classic fundraiser idea, but it's still a good idea, here are a few tips to kick things off:

• You can mix things up by choosing a theme for your charity auction.

• Try hosting an early bird auction online.

• Reach out to your members, past donors, and local businesses for donations, gift certificates, products, etc.

• It's always fun to have a portion of your auction hosted by an auctioneer, they add some entertainment and a sense of urgency.

Consider booking some live entertainment and selling snacks and refreshments to raise some extra money.

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26. Launch an impactful stories campaign to raise money

Real stories from real people are always a successful way for charitable organisations to raise money. Everyone has a story to tell and their stories can offer support to those in need and encourage others to donate.

• Reach out to your members, volunteers, friends and family, local institutions, etc. to find willing contributors.

• Offer the stories in a variety of formats: written, podcast style, video, illustrated.

• Spread the word online, around your community, and on social media.

• Host a story evening where the community can come and listen to stories and support your cause.

• Sell snacks, drinks, and custom merchandise during your event.

• Accept multiple payment types. Zeffy's free tap-to-pay lets you take card payments from your phone, no dedicated hardware needed, and we cover the card processing fees.

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27. Start a random acts of kindness peer-to-peer campaign

Peer-to-peer campaigns are always a little bit more complicated to run, but the pay-off is usually worth the extra effort. Hold the door open for the person behind you. Say thank you to someone whose work often goes unnoticed. Random acts of kindness are an amazing way to connect your community and raise money for your cause.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Find a free peer-to-peer fundraising platform to help you organise it all and allow participants to set up and run their own mini-campaigns.

• Choose a date and length of your peer-to-peer random acts of kindness campaign.

• Offer suggested milestones. (Perform 100 acts of kindness, 500, etc.)

• Plan prizes for donors and participants to encourage everyone to take part.

• Get some volunteers to make posters and share the event on their social media channels.

• Host a BBQ or potluck at the same time to raise even more money and make the event even more of an occasion.

Encourage participants to share the stories behind their random acts of kindness at your event or on social media.

• Organise an online raffle to raise more money during the fundraising event.

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28. A documentary screening to raise awareness and money

These days there's a documentary or two for every topic, cause, event, or occasion. You can learn a lot about almost anything by watching documentaries. So, why not host a documentary screening to raise awareness about your cause while raising money for it? Note: you will need a public performance film licence (such as those offered by Filmbankmedia or MPLC) unless the content is already licensed for community screening. Charity rates are available.

• Choose a date and location, a local theatre, community centre, park, etc. (Outdoor screenings are a great option if the weather is kind.)

• Get some volunteers to make posters and share the event on their social media channels.

• Set up a refreshment stand to sell snacks and drinks to earn extra money.

• Sell tickets to a trivia or bingo game viewers can fill in while watching the documentary.

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Fundraising ideas for disaster relief

29. Host a disaster relief webinar

When it comes to disaster relief, the learning curve can be pretty steep. Whether it's filtering and treating water, making the most of what you have around, contacting the right departments for your situation, or first aid, there are always people in need of a little guidance. A series of webinars (available for a donation) can really help.

• Try and attract a mix of industry experts and everyday people willing to share their stories and expertise.

• Reach out to the local government for input and advice.

• Plan the content of your webinars ahead of time to make sure you cover the key points and convey the right information.

• Spread the word online, in your hospitals, and on social media.

• Offer additional resources for additional donations. (Help from solicitors, specialists, etc.)

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30. Raise money with an online silent auction

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• You can mix things up by choosing a theme for your silent auction.

• Try hosting an early bird auction online.

• Reach out to your donors (current and past) and local businesses for donations, gift certificates, products, etc.

• Spread the word online, in your hospitals, and on social media.

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31. Launch an interactive online map

Creating an interactive online map for disaster relief can be a valuable tool for coordinating efforts and providing real-time information to those affected. Here are a few tips to help get things started:

• Choose a user-friendly platform. Google Maps is a common and well-known choice.

• Define your area and what you want to include. (Healthcare, food, emergency services, evacuation routes, community centres, etc.)

• Reach out to collaborate with local government agencies and departments.

• Reach out to local media outlets to stay informed and partner up.

• Consider integrating with social media platforms so you and others can easily share information and stay up to date.

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32. Try your hand at a social media challenge

This one might seem easy, but getting a social media challenge to catch on, where participants pay to play, takes a bit of luck and a lot of work.

Here are some tips to help:

• Come up with a challenge that is related to your cause.

• Choose a date and length of your social challenge campaign.

• Find a free peer-to-peer fundraising platform to help you organise it all and allow participants to set up and run their own mini-campaigns.

• Reach out to local celebrities and ask them to participate and share their video with their followers on social media.

• Reach out to local media to get them involved.

• Plan prizes for donors and participants to encourage everyone to take part.

• Get some volunteers to make posters and share the event on their social media channels.

• Host an event to celebrate the winners, to raise even more money and make your fundraising efforts even more of an occasion.

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Fundraising ideas for advocacy groups

Advocacy groups often fly under our radar. Which makes it all the more important to host creative and engaging fundraising campaigns.

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33. Start a fundraising letter-writing campaign

Hosting a letter-writing campaign is a great way to mobilise your community and encourage them to advocate for your cause and raise awareness.

Here are a few tips to get your next letter-writing campaign off to a good start:

• Determine who your target audience will be: lawmakers, government officials, business leaders, or any people or groups who have the power to make a change related to your cause.

• Pre-write a few examples for your community to use as-is or as a starting point.

• Provide clear instructions:

• How to address the person you are posting letters to.

• What their address is.

• Any particular information they need to include.

• The deadline to post the letters.

• Choose a free online fundraising platform to help you launch your fundraising campaign and stay in touch with your community.

• Reach out to influencers and allies to help you spread the word.

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34. A documentary screening to raise awareness and money

These days there's a documentary or two for every topic, cause, event, or occasion. Why not host a documentary screening to invite donors to learn about your cause while raising money for it? Note: check whether you need a public performance film licence before screening, Filmbankmedia and MPLC both offer charity rates.

• Choose a date and location, a local theatre, community centre, park, etc. (Outdoor screenings are a great option if the weather is kind.)

• Get some volunteers to make posters and share the event on their social media channels.

• Set up a refreshment stand to sell snacks and drinks to earn extra money.

• Sell tickets to a trivia or bingo game viewers can fill in while watching the documentary.

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35. A podcast series is an innovative way to fundraise for your charity

It may sound daunting at first, but a podcast series is a great way to share stories, spread the word, encourage multiple voices and points of view, and connect with current and new audiences. You can charge a type of admission fee for listeners or invite donors to contribute. The trick: ask for help.

• Write an interesting narrative and plan out your episodes.

• Reach out to local studios or invest in some quality equipment.

• Come up with a release schedule (weekly, fortnightly, monthly, or all at once).

• Contact local businesses for sponsorship.

• Reach out to specialists and people affected by your cause to be guests on your show.

Get some volunteers to share the podcast on their social media channels and reach out to local media to help spread the word.

• Set up a donation form on a free fundraising platform.

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36. Reach out to local businesses to find some corporate sponsors

Getting corporate sponsors to donate to your charity or sponsor your next fundraising event might not be the first thing on your to-do list, especially if you're a small to medium sized charity. But it can be worth the time.

Here are a few tips to help you out:

• Spend some time developing your corporate sponsorship presentation.

• Come up with a list of potential businesses that may be interested in sponsoring your charity.

• You know everything there is to know about your charity; learn everything there is to know about the businesses you're approaching for sponsorship. Show up prepared.

• Find a local volunteer who knows the area and the businesses to help your charity.

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Fundraising ideas for your community-focused charitable organisation

Peer-to-peer fundraising is amazing because you can get out into your community and have fun with your friends and neighbours. Read more about social sharing and community-driven fundraising at our Zeffy blog.

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37. Plan and run a historical walking tour to raise money and awareness for your cause

A historical walking tour is a great way to get people involved in your community's history and interested in your charitable organisation's cause. All it takes is a little research and a few willing volunteers.

• Start by reaching out to your network of volunteers and community members to find individuals passionate about urban planning, architecture, history, local business, or anything and everything to do with your community.

• Plan out a walking route with them.

• Find a free online ticketing platform to plan your schedule and sell your tickets.

• Get some volunteers to make posters and share the walking tours on their social media channels.

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38. Launch a local business voucher book to fundraise

A local business voucher book is a creative way to support local businesses, attract new donors to your charity, and create a sense of community while you fundraise.

Here are a few guidelines to help you launch your local business voucher book:

• Reach out to local businesses and invite them to participate in the voucher book. Clearly explain the benefits of participation, such as increased visibility, new customers, and community support.

• Decide on the format of your voucher book. It could be a physical booklet or a digital version accessible through a mobile app or website.

• Establish terms and conditions for participating businesses.

• Develop a pricing structure for businesses interested in featuring vouchers in the book.

• Work with a graphic designer or use design tools to create an appealing layout for your voucher book. Ensure that it aligns with the branding of your initiative and is visually attractive to potential customers.

• Collect the necessary information and vouchers from participating businesses. Ensure that each voucher includes relevant details such as the business name, address, contact information, terms and conditions, and the discount offered.

• Find a free online fundraising platform to sell your digital or printed voucher books.

• Use local newspapers, community notice boards, social media, and partnerships with local influencers or organisations to generate awareness.

• Encourage businesses to offer limited-time deals or exclusive promotions to create a sense of urgency and drive immediate customer interest.

• Stay engaged with the community through social media, newsletters, and events. Share success stories, highlight participating businesses, and showcase the positive impact of the voucher book on the local economy.

• Follow up with local businesses, donors, and volunteers to collect feedback and say thank you.

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39. Neighbourhood block parties are a great way to bring communities together

A neighbourhood block party is one of the best fundraising ideas around. It's not the easiest to implement, but once you host one, the next one gets a lot easier to manage!

• Contact your local council to find out about permits and bye-laws. (For closing your street, serving food and drink, and alcohol licences.) If you plan to serve alcohol at a one-off community event, you'll need to apply to your council for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN), minimum 10 working days' notice required. A road closure or street party application is usually separate and many councils waive fees for community and charity events, but do allow at least four to twelve weeks' lead time.

• Choose a date and location for your block party.

• Recruit volunteers and find a free online event management platform to help you organise, sell tickets, and keep track of everything.

• Use posters, social media and word of mouth to spread the word around your community.

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40. Hosting a tech workshop is a great way to fundraise

The gap between technology and those of us who know how to use it is growing constantly. Your charity can help by enlisting members of your community who are a bit more tech-savvy than others to host tech workshops that focus on teaching the rest of us the ins and outs of the technology we use every day.

• Reach out to your volunteers, donors, and local businesses to find people willing to share their knowledge of tech.

• Find a location to host your workshops and consider making them available online as downloadable webinars.

• Plan your workshops ahead of time and try to host a range of skill levels and technologies. (Tips on using a smartphone to programme your smart thermostat, for example.)

• Find a free online fundraising platform to help you organise and sell tickets to your workshops.

• Recruit volunteers to make posters and spread the word through social media, community centres, local businesses, etc.

• Ask for ideas and feedback to find out what people are interested in learning.

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Easy fundraising ideas

41. Themed bake sales

Choosing a theme for your next bake sale will add an extra layer of fun and creativity to your good old-fashioned bake sale.

• Cupcake wars.

• Movie magic.

• Superhero themed.

• Rainbow delights.

• Fairytale feasts.

• Under the sea.

• Emojis!

• DIY decorating station.

• Outer space.

• Garden party.

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42. Themed dress-up day

A themed dress-up day is an easy way to raise money. Participants dress up according to a specific theme and typically make a donation to take part. You can even sell snacks and refreshments to raise extra money.

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43. Fitness challenge

A fitness challenge is a fun way to encourage physical activity, adopt a healthier lifestyle, achieve specific fitness goals, and raise money for your charity. You can tailor these challenges to various fitness levels and can even make it a peer-to-peer campaign by reaching out to workplaces, communities, online platforms, or fitness facilities. A few examples: a step challenge, yoga challenge, push-up challenge, healthy eating challenge.

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44. Quiz night (general or themed)

A quiz night, often called a pub quiz, is an event where teams or individuals compete in answering questions on various topics. You can host a general quiz night or make it a themed night and charge people a participation fee, get them to give additional donations for lifelines, etc. You might even add a raffle and encourage supporters or audience members to take part too! If you're serving alcohol, apply to your local council for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN), minimum 10 working days' notice required.

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45. Community picnic

A community picnic is a great way to easily raise some money for your cause. Pick a location, sell pre-made picnic hampers and branded blankets to raise extra money. Consider offering games or fun activities too.

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46. Gallery night

Hosting a gallery night is an easy way to show off your community's artistic talents. Find a venue, recruit some artists, order some drinks and snacks, and raise some money by encouraging attendees to buy some local art (a portion of the proceeds goes to funding your cause).

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47. Car wash

Hosting a car wash doesn't take much. A group of willing volunteers. Some basic equipment. And a sunny day! Make it an event by setting up a BBQ or finding some live entertainment to keep people busy while they wait.

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48. Photo contest

We all take thousands of photos a year. Why not put them to good use with a photo contest? Get donors to submit their best photo of the year (themed or not), assemble a panel of judges, and select the winning photos. You can even host a photo exhibition to showcase and sell the winning photos.

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49. Pet wash day

We all love our pets. Especially when they're clean. Organise a pet wash day. Get donors to sign up in advance. Offer a couple of packages (full wash and dry, wash and groom, etc.). You can even set up a homemade dog treat table to raise a bit of extra money.

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50. Family photo day

Sure, we all take way too many pictures these days, but how many of them are good? Exactly. A family photo day is an excellent fundraiser. Find a location, a photographer, get creative with a few backgrounds and sets, and choose a free fundraising platform to schedule everyone and sell tickets and various packages.

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51. Puppy and kitten cuddling booth

This one is pretty self-explanatory. Find a few puppies and kittens, show up where people are stressed (work, school, the park, etc.) and ask for donations to spend a few minutes cuddling. You'll be sure to hit your fundraising target in no time.

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52. Services auction

There are silent auctions, online auctions, regular auctions, and then there are services auctions, an auction where members of your community, volunteers, donors, etc. can volunteer a skill to help whoever donates the most.

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53. Disaster relief webinar

When it comes to disaster relief, the learning curve can be pretty steep. Whether it's filtering and treating water, making the most of what you have around, contacting the right departments for your situation, or first aid, there are always people in need of a little guidance. A series of webinars (available for a donation) can really help.

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54. Letter-writing campaign

Hosting a letter-writing campaign is a great way to mobilise your community and encourage them to advocate for your cause and raise awareness.

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55. Historical walking tour

A historical walking tour is a great way to get people involved in your community's history and interested in your charitable organisation's cause. All it takes is a little research and a few willing volunteers.

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Low-cost fundraising ideas

Need ideas that don't break the bank? Take a look at our ideas for low-cost fundraising. You can read more extensively on our Zeffy blog here.

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56. Used book sale

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Books are one of those things that tend to pile up at home. A used book sale at a local venue is a unique fundraising idea, and a great way for donors to get rid of the books they've already read and pick up a couple of new ones while they're at it. To raise additional funds, charge a small fee for participants to pay upon entry to the sale.

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57. Community mural project

This fundraising event is a little more involved than some of our other ideas, but the work is well worth the pay-off. An indoor or outdoor mural is a creative fundraising idea that will not only help your charity raise money, it will also build awareness about your cause.

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58. Equipment swap

An equipment swap for your cricket club, hockey team, any team, is a fun way to bring your sports community together, give gently used equipment a second life, and make it more affordable for everyone.

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59. Charity auction

This is a classic fundraiser idea, but that doesn't change the fact that it's still a really good way to raise money for your cause. You can even mix things up by choosing a theme for your charity auction or hosting an early bird auction online.

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60. Custom merchandise

Can you ever have enough dog-print cosy hoodies? Or cat-themed blankets? We didn't think so. Keep things interesting by asking your community to help with designs. Make limited-run merchandise. And try to offer things that make sense for your charitable organisation.

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61. Patient stories campaign

Real stories from real patients are always a successful way for charitable organisations to raise money. Cancer survivors, family members, doctors, everyone has a story to tell and their stories can offer support to those in need and encourage others to donate.

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62. Impactful stories campaign

Real stories from real people are always a successful way for charitable organisations to raise money. Everyone has a story to tell and their stories can offer support to those in need and encourage others to donate. Reach out to the people you've helped, friends and family, members of your team, anyone with a story to tell, and help them tell their stories in whichever way they feel comfortable.

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63. Online silent auction

This is a classic fundraiser idea with a digital twist, but that doesn't change the fact that it's still a really good way to raise money for your cause. You can even mix things up by choosing a theme for your charity auction or hosting an early bird auction online.

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64. Documentary screening

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These days there's a documentary or two for every topic, cause, event, or occasion. Why not host a documentary screening to raise awareness about your cause while raising money for it? You will need a public performance film licence (such as those offered by Filmbankmedia or MPLC) unless the content is already licensed for community screening.

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65. Local business voucher book

A local business voucher book is a creative way to support local businesses, attract new donors to your charity, and create a sense of community while you fundraise. Reach out to local businesses (like a local bowling alley, restaurant, etc.) and invite them to participate in the voucher book. Decide on the format, it could be a physical booklet or a digital version accessible through a mobile app or website.

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66. Webinars

Webinars are a convenient and inexpensive way to share the knowledge your charity has collected and help others learn something new that can make their lives easier. You don't need a lot of equipment to pull this one off.

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67. Virtual fitness classes

Virtual workouts are the same as regular workouts, but you can do them from the comfort of your home for a lot less money. Start small by offering a selection of one or two types of workouts and slowly grow your library of classes. You can even eventually launch a line of branded workout merchandise.

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68. DIY craft kits

A DIY craft kit is a great fundraiser to launch right before a holiday, a long weekend, or a midweek evening, anytime really. Parents are always looking for ways to entertain their children. Adults are always looking for new projects. And if you can find that and support a good cause, it's almost too good to be true!

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69. Mystery box fundraiser

A mystery box is a box full of unknown products or crafts related to a specific theme and, in the case of a charitable organisation, sold for a suggested donation.

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70. Online gaming tournament

To host an online gaming tournament all you need is an online game such as Mario Kart or Among Us and a free peer-to-peer online fundraising platform to help you organise the teams. Teams or individuals can pay to sign up and you can even offer additional lives and pre-made snack boxes for extra donations.

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71. Themed story night (ghost stories, love stories, etc.)

Themed story nights are a quick and easy way to raise money for your charity. Do a bit of research, find some great storytellers, find a cosy venue, plan some snacks and drinks and spread the word!

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Creative fundraising ideas

72. Talent show

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Hosting a talent show can be an entertaining way to raise money for your charity and it makes a great annual fundraiser. Sure, it's a bit more work than your average fundraiser, but it's a great way to build awareness and do something nice for your community.

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73. Paint and sip night

A paint and sip night is as easy to organise as finding a painting teacher, ordering some wine and supplies, and getting donors to sign up. If you're serving alcohol, apply to your local council for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) in advance.

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74. Refreshment stand

Maybe your team (or your child's team) plays on a pitch without a snack bar? Maybe you can hire the snack bar in your local park? Either way, opening a refreshment stand during matches is a smart way to raise money.

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75. A church or community cookbook

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We all know the best way to capture the hearts and minds of most of us is through their stomach. Every family has their go-to recipes. Why not start collecting them to put in a book and sell to raise money for your church or charitable organisation?

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76. DIY craft or cooking kits

Create and sell DIY craft or cooking kits related to your cause or themed around current trends. For example, you could sell kits for making handmade greeting cards or baking special treats. Include instructions and materials, and promote them through your network and social media platforms.

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77. Wellness subscription boxes

Subscription boxes are a great way to get your community and local businesses involved in your cause. Offering a monthly box, or boxes for special occasions, is a great way to raise money and give donors something in return. You can make subscription boxes for any theme or time of year, including a wellness version.

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78. Random acts of kindness campaign

Peer-to-peer campaigns are always a little bit more complicated to run, but the pay-off is usually worth the extra effort. Hold the door open for the person behind you. Say thank you to someone whose work often goes unnoticed. Random acts of kindness are an amazing way to connect your community and raise money for your cause.

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79. Interactive online map

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Creating an interactive online map for disaster relief can be a valuable tool for coordinating efforts and providing real-time information to those affected. Just choose a user-friendly platform (Google Maps is a common and well-known choice), define your area and what you want to include (healthcare, food, emergency services, evacuation routes, community centres, etc.), and reach out to collaborate with local government agencies and departments.

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80. A podcast series

It may sound daunting at first, but a podcast series is a great way to share stories, spread the word, encourage multiple voices and points of view, and connect with current and new audiences. The trick: ask for help.

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81. Neighbourhood block party

A neighbourhood block party is one of the best fundraising ideas around. It's not the easiest to implement, but once you host one, the next one gets a lot easier to manage! Remember to contact your local council about road-closure permits and, if you're serving alcohol, apply for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) well in advance.

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82. A glow-in-the-dark bike ride or run

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We're all familiar with the classic bike ride or 5K run for charity. You can make them a bit more creative by encouraging participants to wear or buy glow-in-the-dark kits!

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83. Fashion show swap

You've heard of a fashion show, well, this is a fashion show swap! Participants show off the clothes they've grown out of or tired of and people can buy them for a donation to your cause or swap them for some of the clothes they've brought along.

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84. Stargazing evening

There's something genuinely special about watching the stars. Invite community members to bring their telescopes and blankets and invite a professional astronomer to assist with identification! Charge an entrance fee and sell custom merchandise too.

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85. Home spa day kits

We all love a relaxing spa day but not all of us can make it to the spa. A home spa kit will let everyone bring the spa to them. Just select a few products (maybe even ask local businesses to donate them), wrap them nicely in a box, and sell them online.

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86. Pet photo calendar

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Landscape calendars, firefighter calendars, activity calendars, there's a calendar for everything, so why can't there be a calendar featuring your pets? There are many websites online that can help you put a calendar together and you can even brand them with your charity's colours and logo.

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87. Water balloon dodgeball tournament

Organising a water balloon dodgeball tournament will definitely set your charity apart and make it a summer fundraising event to remember. Participants can purchase water balloons and compete for awards like: first place, wettest team, driest team, loudest team, etc. Zeffy's event management software for charities can help you organise it, sell online tickets, and keep donors up to date.

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88. Soup and bowl fundraiser

Empty Bowls began as an international project to fight hunger and has grown into a larger movement used by charities around the world to raise money for their causes. The bowls are normally handmade or personalised by artists and art organisations, filled with homemade soup, stew, chilli, etc. and sold to supporters to raise money for local charities.

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89. Let your anger out

Keeping our emotions inside is a common and unhealthy reality. Your charity can help, and raise money for your cause, by hosting a "let your anger out" event. Participants can make a donation to smash, chop, throw, stomp, and break anything and everything you've been able to collect.

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Quick fundraising ideas

90. Sell merchandise

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Create custom merchandise that reflects either your mission or your community, or both! You can even get donors in a silent auction to bid on merchandise to double the donation for exceptionally made items.

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91. Flash art sale

Just like a regular art sale, but a lot quicker. All you need is a selection of local art, a location, and a free online fundraising platform that lets you accept in-person payments. You can host your flash sale at local farmers' markets, in the town square, at festivals, or on a random Saturday afternoon.

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92. Penalty shootout

A penalty shootout is a great peer-to-peer campaign that brings community and competing sports teams together for a good cause. Spread the word, encourage people to sign up and raise money, and then let the friendly competition begin!

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93. Pub quiz for charity

Like a general quiz night, but with a themed twist. Participants can form their own teams and sign up for a donation. During the quiz you can sell lifelines, snacks and refreshments.

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94. Pet photography contest

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People love taking pictures of their pets. Why not put those pictures to work by hosting a pet photography contest? Participants can submit their best pictures (for a small entry fee or donation) and win a day at a pet spa, a matching human and pet wardrobe, or whatever you can offer!

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95. Online cooking classes

Eating healthier or within specific dietary restrictions can be a daunting task for many people. By offering health-specific cooking classes online you can help take a bit of the stress and unknown out of it all, and fundraise for your cause while you're at it.

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96. Documentary screening

These days there's a documentary or two for every topic, cause, event, or occasion. Why not host a documentary screening to raise awareness about your cause while raising money for it? Don't forget to check whether you need a public performance film licence first.

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97. Social media challenge

This one might seem easy, but getting a social media challenge to catch on takes a bit of luck and a lot of work. A free peer-to-peer fundraising platform will help you organise it all and allow participants to set up and run their own mini-campaigns.

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98. Corporate sponsorship

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Getting corporate sponsors to donate to your charity or sponsor your next fundraising event might not be the first thing on your to-do list, especially if you're a small to medium sized charity. But it can be worth the time.

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99. Tech workshop

The gap between technology and those of us who know how to use it is growing constantly. Your charity can help by enlisting members of your community who are a bit more tech-savvy than others to host tech workshops that focus on teaching others the ins and outs of the technology we use today.

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100. Text-to-donate (SMS Text Giving)

Text giving is a mobile fundraising method that allows anyone to make a donation with a simple text message. UK charities set this up with a Text Giving provider, Donr is the current market leader. Gift Aid can be added if the donor replies with their postcode. Check with your chosen provider for current setup details.

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101. Quick raffle

UK raffle rules (important). In the UK, most charity raffles are small society lotteries under the Gambling Act 2005. If tickets are sold in advance to the public, you must register with your local licensing authority (Gambling Commission guidance). Key limits: £40 initial registration (£20 annual renewal); £20,000 single-draw cap; £250,000 aggregate annual cap; at least 20% of proceeds to the cause; maximum single prize £25,000. Incidental non-commercial lotteries, where the draw takes place entirely at a live event, need no registration. Gift Aid does not apply to raffle ticket purchases.

A quick-fire raffle is a raffle in which the tickets are sold and the winning number is drawn in a short period of time, for example within 10 to 30 minutes. This is a great way to create a sense of urgency and add a bit of a twist to your next fundraising event.

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102. Day of service

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A day of service is a day your charitable organisation sets aside to encourage participants to do something good. It can be a small favour for a neighbour, some community service, or the generous gift of their time to a charity in need.

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103. Personalised shout outs (candy grams, etc.)

Personalised shout outs are messages sent via candy gram, carols, code, elf, ghost, or whatever fits your event! Each message is sent for the cost of a donation.

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104. Virtual thank you jars

A virtual thank you jar is exactly what it sounds like: a digital jar that donors can drop a few coins into.

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105. Recipe swap

You know it. I know it. We all know it. Or wish we did. Well, a recipe swap is the perfect time to get the recipe you've always wanted.

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Annual fundraising ideas

106. Charity walk or run

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107. Community jumble sale or car boot sale

A lazy long weekend. A street full of neighbours. One person's clutter is another person's treasure. Encourage participants to sell as much as they can with proceeds going to a good cause. Don't forget to add a BBQ and some entertainment!

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108. School fun night

A school fun night is a fun way to spend an evening with your family and friends. Families buy tickets, treats, snacks, drinks and go from activity to activity winning tickets and prizes as they go. A creative way to raise money for your school every year.

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109. Food truck festival

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This one is a great way to raise money for your cause and, if it's successful, a good one to repeat every year. Reach out to local and visiting restaurants and food trucks and invite them to your food truck festival. Remember the live music!

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110. Pet fashion show

A pet fashion show is just like a regular fashion show, but for pets. You can even encourage participants and their pets to wear matching outfits!

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111. Annual plant sale

This one will take a bit more organisation but, with the help of a local nursery or garden centre, can be a beautiful way to raise money for your charity. You can even make an event out of the collection day with a BBQ, live music, and talks on caring for your plants.

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112. Online raffle

Charitable raffles and lotteries are nothing new but they are a great way to attract donors and increase your charity's income. Running a successful online raffle for your charitable organisation requires understanding the relevant UK regulations: most charity raffles are small society lotteries under the Gambling Act 2005, so register with your local licensing authority if selling tickets in advance to the public. Zeffy's customisable raffles and lottery forms can help you get started.

Remember: Gift Aid does not apply to raffle ticket purchases.

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113. Golf tournament

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114. A mini putt tournament

Organising a charity golf tournament is an excellent way to engage donors while raising funds. But have you ever thought about organising a mini-golf tournament? If you've got a mini-golf course close by, we think it's worth exploring. With a mini-golf tournament, the whole family can join in and, if you time it right, you can even use the fundraising event to advertise and build excitement for your upcoming charity golf tournament.

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115. Corporate sponsorships

Getting corporate sponsors to donate to your charity or sponsor your next fundraising event might not be the first thing on your to-do list, especially if you're a small to medium sized charity. But it can be worth the time.

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116. Read-A-Thon

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When it comes to fundraising for schools and libraries, there aren't a ton of educational fundraising ideas that appeal to a wide range of people and ages. There might only be one: a Read-A-Thon. A Read-A-Thon is a peer-to-peer fundraising event that encourages people (often children or students) to read as many books or pages as they can within a set time.

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117. Swim-A-Thon

A Swim-A-Thon is a lot like a Read-A-Thon, but participants swim as far as they can instead of reading as many books as they can. It's also a perfect peer-to-peer campaign to run on a yearly basis.

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118. Virtual book club

A virtual book club is a creative way to get people reading and raise funds for your charitable organisation. With a bit of creativity, you can get existing free online fundraising platforms to do a lot of the organising work for you. (Use online shops to sell books and branded merchandise, use peer-to-peer solutions to encourage members to choose a book and prepare questions, etc.)

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119. 24-hour challenge

A 24-hour challenge is where participants sign up to do something for 24 consecutive hours. They can sign up as a team or individually and, in classic peer-to-peer style, will raise money for their efforts.

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120. Pet parade

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Well, we'd definitely attend a pet parade. Wouldn't you?

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121. A charity BBQ

Instead of this summer's traditional BBQ fundraiser, turn it into a friendly (but very serious) BBQ competition. Donors can sign up for your peer-to-peer campaign and raise money to support your cause and their BBQ skills. Guests can buy tickets online or at the event and taste-test everyone's signature dish. Once they've tried them all, everyone can vote for their favourite! If you're serving alcohol, apply to your local council for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN), minimum 10 working days' notice required.

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122. Charity car and dog wash

Hosting a car wash to raise money for your cause is a classic summer fundraising event. No one will complain about donating a few pounds for a good cause and driving away with a sparkling car. But that doesn't mean you can't explore other money-making possibilities. What about washing their dog while you wash their car?

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123. Autumn leaf-raking fundraiser

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Everyone's favourite seasonal activity can be even more fun if you make an event out of it. Ask donors to sign up to help others rake their lawns and celebrate the end of a good day's work with a potluck dinner and a live show.

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124. Costume swap

A lot like a clothing swap or an equipment swap, a costume swap is exactly what it sounds like: an event people can sign up for and attend where they swap Halloween costumes.

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125. A formal gala

Planning a fundraising gala can definitely seem daunting at first. But don't worry, or worry a little less. We've come up with a few essential steps your charity can take to ensure your preparation phase runs smoothly. If you're serving alcohol, you'll need a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) from your local council.

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126. Carolling for your cause

There's nothing like being sung to during the festive season! Gather a group of carollers, practise a few carols, and start spreading that festive joy, while asking for donations for a good cause.

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Last-minute fundraising ideas

A quick and easy way to pull together a fundraiser includes online fundraising. You can save time and money if you don't have to organise an onsite event. Read more about our online fundraising ideas at our Zeffy blog.

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127. Social media blitz

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Reach out to your team members, volunteers, current donors, local businesses and celebrities and get them all to share a pre-written message to encourage donations and build awareness for your cause.

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128. One-day online auction

Maybe you have a collection of leftover donations. Or some merchandise you'd like to clear out. Or a local business has just made a generous donation. A one-day online auction is a great way to build a sense of urgency and raise some money for your cause.

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129. An emergency appeal email

A well-crafted email with a clear, strong call to action may sound simple, but it can be a successful way to encourage donors to donate, especially if it's for an urgent cause.

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130. Limited-run or limited-time merchandise sale

Partnering with local artists or celebrities to create limited-edition merchandise is an excellent way to promote your cause and raise money. You can offer the merchandise online for a limited time or produce a limited number of each piece.

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131. Personalised thank you messages

It's not news that saying thank you is good for us. We all know that a simple thank you builds trust and closer bonds with the people around us. But what is news is that just witnessing a thank you can bring entire groups of people closer together, strengthening relationships and creating a desire to help and connect even more.

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132. Virtual bingo night

A virtual bingo night can be thrown together pretty quickly and is a fun way to raise money for an urgent cause.

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133. 50/50 raffle

A 50/50 raffle is a simple fundraising tool to add to any event. All you need is an enthusiastic crowd, a group of volunteers, and raffle tickets. In a 50/50 raffle, the prize is half of the money collected, so everyone should be interested in purchasing a ticket. The more tickets you sell, the higher the pot!

In the UK, if tickets are sold in advance to the public, you must register the raffle as a small society lottery with your local licensing authority (Gambling Commission guidance). If the draw takes place entirely at the event, it may qualify as an incidental non-commercial lottery and need no registration. Gift Aid does not apply to raffle ticket purchases.

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134. Emergency fundraising countdown

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Nothing raises money faster than a sense of urgency. A simple countdown on local radio or TV stations, on your website, or on your social media can engage donors and raise money for your cause.

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135. Minute-to-win-it challenge

A minute-to-win-it challenge involves participants taking part in a series of 60-second challenges to raise money for a good cause.

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136. Morning coffee challenge

Instead of buying a coffee on your way to work or on your next coffee break, encourage your donors to stay home or drink the (probably less good) coffee at work once a week and donate the money they would have spent on coffee to a good cause.

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137. Reach out to lapsed donors

Regardless of the reason why some donors lapse, a charity should consider re-engaging them. Why? They were once interested in donating their time, energy, and money to your cause. So, with the right messaging, they might just be convinced to give again.

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138. Community clean-up

With a quick call to action you can engage your donor base to spend a day or afternoon cleaning up their community while raising money for a cause they care about.

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139. A virtual Dance-A-Thon

A Dance-A-Thon is a fun way to get people moving while they raise money for a good cause and have a great time while they do it!

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140. Holiday gift wrapping

Every year we all go through the stressful, present-buying and wrapping season. Why not relieve a bit of that stress by offering to wrap everyone's gift for a small donation? You can even get custom wrapping paper or gift tags made.

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141. Pancake breakfast

A delicious pancake breakfast always attracts a crowd. You can host one almost any time, for any reason. After all, who doesn't like pancakes? Or, if you're feeling adventurous, waffles!

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Fundraising ideas for universities, colleges and student unions

142. Alumni networking events

Plan quarterly events in major cities where alumni are concentrated. To raise funds, create a tiered ticket system (e.g., £25 for recent graduates, £75 for established professionals) and partner with alumni-owned businesses for venue sponsorships.

For events, organise panel discussions on industry trends, and offer structured networking sessions.

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144. Themed dinners

Choose a theme that resonates with the institution's history or future aspirations (e.g., "Innovation Through the Ages" or "Sustainability Summit"). Secure a prominent alumnus or industry leader as a keynote speaker and create a menu featuring local cuisine or dishes inspired by the theme.

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Online fundraising ideas

145. Virtual charity auctions

Use specialised online auction software to create an engaging bidding experience!

Solicit unique items or experiences from local community businesses and alumni (e.g., holiday packages, signed memorabilia, exclusive tours), create detailed item descriptions with high-quality photos, and start fundraising!

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146. Social media challenge

A social media challenge is one of the easiest virtual fundraising ideas. Develop a challenge that's easy to do and share (e.g., "30-second talent showcase" or "Book spine poetry").

Launch the challenge with influential alumni or community leaders, set up a dedicated fundraising page linked to the challenge, and offer prizes for the most creative entries or highest fundraisers.

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147. Live-streamed event

Partner with a popular streaming platform (e.g., YouTube, Twitch) and plan a 12-hour stream featuring a mix of entertainment (music performances, comedy sketches) and educational content (mini-lectures, Q&A sessions).

Set up a live donation tracker with milestone goals and corresponding challenges or rewards, and secure corporate sponsors to match donations during specific hours for extra fundraising success.

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Tap-to-pay at community fetes and quiz nights

One real pain point UK charities tell us about: cash is dying at village-hall events, community fetes, and quiz nights, but most per-ticket platforms charge fees that price out a £3 raffle entry or a £5 bake-stall purchase. Zeffy's free tap-to-pay lets you accept card payments directly from your phone at the door, at the cake stall, and at the drinks table, no dedicated donation hardware needed, and we cover the card processing fees. It's also Gift Aid eligible for straightforward donations (not ticket or raffle sales).

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UK platforms and tools to help with your charity's next fundraiser

When it comes to online platforms and tools to help your small to medium-sized charity organise its next fundraiser, here are the most relevant options for UK charities, with honest one-liners from a UK charity perspective.

• 1. Zeffy: the only 100% free fundraising platform for charities, fundraising, ticketing, raffles, memberships, auctions and donor management in one place, with no platform fee, no transaction fee, no credit card fee. Ever. Supports Gift Aid workflows.

• 2. Ticket Tailor: UK-founded B Corp with flat per-ticket pricing (not percentage-based). The clear winner for paid events above £10 a ticket; direct Stripe payouts mean instant access to funds.

• 3. TicketSource: Wales-based with zero organiser fee. The trade-off is a buyer-facing booking fee, which works well when attendees are buying to support a cause and less well when price-sensitivity is high.

• 4. Eventbrite: still the best option for events that need discovery-traffic from a large public audience. Punishingly expensive on cheap community-fete tickets where the per-ticket fee eats into your margin.

• 5. TryBooking: free for free events, popular with PTAs and schools, and includes a mobile tap-to-pay app for door sales at fetes.

• 6. Humanitix: the ethical ticketing platform that donates booking fees to charity projects. Genuinely UK-active and worth a look if you want your booking fees to fund charitable work.

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Tips for organising your next fundraiser

Maybe you're a checklist person and maybe you're a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants person. If you're a checklist person, this section's for you. If not, we definitely recommend taking a look anyway.

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(And it's a good idea to check any local rules and regulations. Especially when you sell raffle tickets, alcohol, and food!)

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Ready to host your next fundraiser?

Hosting your first or next fundraising event doesn't have to be a daunting, impossible task. With a little creativity, a lot of help (just ask!), and one of the best fundraising sites (like, say, Zeffy), you can make your next fundraising event a success.

Zeffy is 100% free for UK charities: no platform fee, no transaction fee, no credit card fee. It supports Gift Aid workflows, operates on UK GDPR terms, and shows your donors prices in £. And it consolidates fundraising, ticketing, raffles, memberships, auctions and donor management into one free platform, so you can stop stitching together three or four tools. Zeffy's work is recognised by the Fundraising Regulator and we build to the standards your donors expect.

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